Can't access my 2023 1040 form for FAFSA - what are my options?

omg same thing happened to me!! i spent like THREE DAYS trying to find my tax forms. the irs website is so confusing like why do they make it so hard??

You have a few options here: 1. Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool directly through the FAFSA application - it pulls your tax info automatically 2. Request a tax transcript online at irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript (not your full 1040, but has all the info FAFSA needs) 3. Call the IRS at 800-908-9946 to request a transcript by mail 4. Visit a local IRS office in person if you need it urgently The Data Retrieval Tool is definitely the easiest if it works for you. Just make sure you're eligible to use it (some filing statuses can't).

The IRS site is AWFUL and never shows my stuff either!!!! I had to call them 6 TIMES last year when doing my FAFSA because the stupid data retrieval thing kept failing. Each time it was 2+ hour wait and half the time they hung up on me. So frustrating dealing with the financial aid system!!!

I work at a financial aid office, so I can provide some clarification here. If you can't find your 1040, you have a few options: 1. The IRS DRT (Data Retrieval Tool) is integrated directly into the FAFSA and is your best option. Make sure you're answering the eligibility questions correctly. 2. If you're getting errors with the DRT, you can request a Tax Return Transcript from the IRS. This shows all the information FAFSA needs. 3. If you filed electronically, check with your tax preparer or the software you used (TurboTax, H&R Block, etc.) - they should have a copy. 4. Important: For the 2025-2026 FAFSA, you need your 2023 tax information (not 2024). You can estimate to meet deadlines, but you'll need to correct it later with accurate information if you want to receive your aid without delays.

I had this exact problem last month. After trying everything on the IRS website and getting nowhere, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual IRS agent. They have this service where they navigate the phone system for you and call you back when an agent is on the line. Saved me HOURS of waiting. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ The agent helped me get access to my transcript right away, and I was able to finish my FAFSA that same day. Just make sure you have your personal info ready when they call you.

Make sure ur typing your address EXACTLY like it appears on your previous tax return! That tripped me up with the IRS site. If you moved recently thats probably why u cant find anything. You have to use your OLD address that was on the 2023 return.

Just want to add something important - with the new FAFSA format for 2025-2026, they ask for specific line items from your 1040 form for the SAI (Student Aid Index) calculation. Having the exact numbers is more important than ever. If you can't get your transcript in time for priority deadlines, submit with your best estimates, but know you'll need to correct it later. Some schools won't finalize your aid package until they have the correct information.

ok so did anyone else notice that the new FAFSA asks for wayyy more tax info than before? like i was so confused about all these different income questions. like what even is an "untaxed portion of IRA distributions" lol

UPDATE: You all were right! I tried using my old address with the Data Retrieval Tool and it worked! All my tax info loaded into the FAFSA automatically. Thank you everyone for your help - I was really stressing about this!

So glad you got it sorted out! The address thing is such a common issue that trips people up. For anyone else reading this thread - another quick tip is to make sure you're using the exact spelling of your name as it appears on your Social Security card when using the DRT. Even small differences like using a nickname instead of your full legal name can cause it to fail. The IRS systems are super picky about exact matches!